For the Quarter Ending June 2026
High Melting Scrap Prices in APAC
- In India, the High Melting Scrap Price Index rose by 7.81% quarter-over-quarter, driven by tighter imports.
- The average High Melting Scrap price for the quarter was approximately USD 372.67/MT, reported by market assessments.
- High Melting Scrap Spot Price showed intermittent weakness as domestic inflows rose, while the Price Index gradually softened.
- High Melting Scrap Price Forecast indicates mild downside risk near term given ample imports and muted mill purchasing appetite.
- High Melting Scrap Production Cost Trend remained stable despite freight volatility, limiting immediate seller-driven upward pressure.
- High Melting Scrap Demand Outlook stays subdued due to softer construction activity and elevated availability of DRI alternatives.
- High Melting Scrap Price Index downtrend coincided with rising inventories and steady mill run rates across western India.
- Export demand remained muted while regular vessel arrivals and yard releases supported stable offers, tempering volatility.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap change in June 2026 in APAC?
- Ample containerised import arrivals reduced urgency, increasing inventories and pressuring CFR JNPT price assessments locally.
- Weak downstream rebar and construction demand lowered mill buying, softening spot buying interest and prices.
- Freight and insurance spikes from Middle East tensions raised landed costs, without prolonged supply disruption.
High Melting Scrap Prices in North America
- High Melting Scrap Spot Price showed intermittent softness throughout the quarter as domestic yard inflows improved and export demand from Turkey and Asia moderated.
- High Melting Scrap Production Cost Trend remained relatively stable despite higher diesel and labor costs, as collection and processing volumes increased, spreading fixed costs over greater tonnage.
- High Melting Scrap Price Forecast projects further mild downside in early Q3 2026, with potential stabilization if Turkish rebar mills return to the market aggressively after summer holidays.
- High Melting Scrap Demand Outlook is subdued, as U.S. electric arc furnace (EAF) mills reduced operating rates by 3-4% due to softer finished steel orders and rising electricity prices.
- Major North American scrap processors maintained steady shredder operations, but inventory levels at Midwest yards swelled by 12% over the quarter, weighing on the High Melting Scrap Price Index.
- Export vessel bookings to Turkey decreased by 15% quarter-over-quarter, while domestic mill buying remained hand-to-mouth, further pressuring prompt prices.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap change in June 2026 in North America?
- Prices decreased in June 2026 primarily due to a surge in domestic scrap generation from industrial manufacturing and demolition projects, which overwhelmed yard storage capacities in the Midwest and Southeast.
- Simultaneously, Turkish mills—the largest offshore buyers—reduced their scrap bookings ahead of their summer maintenance season, lowering export competition for domestic tons.
- Lower finished steel prices and reduced EAF utilization rates at U.S. minimills further dampened buying urgency, pushing the High Melting Scrap Spot Price downward during June.
High Melting Scrap Prices in Europe
- High Melting Scrap Spot Price weakened steadily through May and June as improved scrap collection from automotive and construction sectors boosted supply across the continent.
- High Melting Scrap Production Cost Trend eased slightly despite higher energy costs for shredding, as better logistics availability and stable freight rates offset some operational expenses.
- High Melting Scrap Price Forecast indicates continued bearish sentiment for the near term, with possible recovery in Q4 if Italian and Spanish steel mills restock ahead of winter production.
- High Melting Scrap Demand Outlook remains tepid, driven by sluggish construction activity and lower rebar consumption, while some mills substituted with higher DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) usage to maintain cleaner melts.
- European scrap processors operated at near-normal levels, but port inventories in Amsterdam and Antwerp increased by 10% over the quarter, pressuring the High Melting Scrap Price Index.
- Export demand from North African and Asian buyers remained lackluster, while intra-European trade volumes were sufficient to satisfy mill requirements without material competition.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap change in June 2026 in Europe?
- Prices decreased in June 2026 largely because of a notable slowdown in southern European steel production, particularly in Italy, where rebar mills cut capacity due to weak construction orders and higher financing costs.
- Additionally, scrap inflows from Eastern Europe increased significantly as better weather improved collection logistics, flooding key German and Benelux processing hubs with prompt material.
For the Quarter Ending March 2026
High Melting Scrap Prices in APAC
- In India, the High Melting Scrap Price Index rose by 5.8% quarter-over-quarter, amid tighter availability.
- The average High Melting Scrap price for the quarter was approximately USD 345.67/MT reported figure.
- High Melting Scrap Spot Price strengthened as import costs and freight increased, tightening available cargoes.
- High Melting Scrap Price Forecast indicates modest upside as domestic restocking offsets occasional import arrivals.
- High Melting Scrap Production Cost Trend increased as energy, insurance and handling expenses squeezed margins.
- High Melting Scrap Demand Outlook remains firm supported by EAF expansions, infrastructure and mill restocking.
- High Melting Scrap Price Index trended higher as inventories tightened and export demand absorbed cargoes.
- Major scrap exporters maintained disciplined offers while Indian mills adjusted intake based on regional demand.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap change in March 2026 in APAC?
- Tighter import availability and Middle East disruptions raised freight and insurance costs, constraining prompt supply.
- Elevated domestic EAF procurement and infrastructure-related rebar orders increased scrap offtake, supporting sustained price gains.
- Improved yard inventories limited rallies, while rupee weakness lifted landed import costs and pressured margins.
High Melting Scrap Prices in North America
- In the United States, the High Melting Scrap Price Index showed a moderate increase quarter-over-quarter, supported by strong domestic steel production and tightening scrap availability.
- The average High Melting Scrap Price Index remained firm, reflecting steady procurement by electric arc furnace (EAF) mills, where scrap is a key raw material .
- High Melting Scrap Spot Price remained firm with periodic volatility as mill buying cycles and export demand influenced pricing.
- High Melting Scrap Price Forecast indicates a firm outlook, supported by ongoing steel demand and limited scrap generation.
- The High Melting Scrap Production Cost Trend remained elevated due to higher collection, processing, and transportation costs.
- High Melting Scrap Demand Outlook remained strong, driven by infrastructure, automotive, and construction-related steel consumption.
- The High Melting Scrap Price Index strengthened in March as mills increased procurement ahead of seasonal construction demand.
- Export demand and limited domestic scrap flows further tightened supply conditions.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap change in March 2026 in North America?
- Increased steel production boosted scrap demand.
- Tight scrap availability limited supply in the spot market.
- Strong export demand added upward pressure on domestic prices.
High Melting Scrap Prices in Europe
- In Europe, the High Melting Scrap Price Index showed a firm increase quarter-over-quarter, supported by rising demand and structural supply constraints.
- The average High Melting Scrap Price Index remained elevated, reflecting growing competition for scrap amid the transition toward electric arc furnace steelmaking .
- High Melting Scrap Spot Price remained firm as restricted exports and strong domestic consumption supported pricing.
- High Melting Scrap Price Forecast suggests continued firmness, driven by sustainability goals and increasing scrap utilization in steel production.
- The High Melting Scrap Production Cost Trend increased due to higher energy, processing, and compliance costs.
- High Melting Scrap Demand Outlook remained strong, supported by green steel initiatives and infrastructure demand.
- The High Melting Scrap Price Index strengthened in March as supply tightened and demand from EAF-based steel producers increased.
- Trade measures and reduced scrap exports within Europe further supported domestic price levels.
Why did the price of High Melting Scrap change in March 2026 in Europe?
- Increased demand from EAF-based steel production tightened supply.
- Export restrictions and policy measures limited scrap outflows.
- Rising energy and processing costs supported higher pricing.
